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14 March 2025
Crime rates across the UK vary dramatically, with some of the most dangerous cities in the UK experiencing high levels of violence, theft, and anti-social behaviour. Whether you’re a resident, visitor, or business owner, knowing which areas have the highest crime rates can help you stay alert and informed.
We’ve analysed the latest crime statistics, including data from official government reports, police crime maps, and regional studies, to bring you a comprehensive ranking of the most dangerous cities in the UK
To rank these cities, we looked at:
Overall crime rates per 1,000 people
Violent crime statistics, including assaults and robberies
Anti-social behaviour and drug-related incidents
Theft rates, including burglary and vehicle crime
Public safety reports and crime heatmaps
Using official crime data and analysis, here are the cities that rank as the UK’s most dangerous.
🚨 Crime Rate: 130.8 per 1,000 residents
🔥 Most Common Crimes: Violence, knife crime, and drug-related offenses
As the second-largest city in the UK, Birmingham has seen a surge in violent crime, with gang activity and knife crime reaching record levels. The city’s high-density population and nightlife scene contribute to increased crime rates, particularly in areas like Digbeth, Newtown, and the city centre.
🚨 Crime Rate: 108.4 per 1,000 residents
🔥 Most Common Crimes: Theft, fraud, and violent crime
London’s crime varies drastically by borough. Areas like Westminster, Camden, and Southwark report higher levels of theft, drug offenses, and violent assaults, while outer boroughs generally see lower crime rates. The Metropolitan Police continue to tackle rising gang activity and moped thefts, which remain a major problem.
🚨 Crime Rate: 122.5 per 1,000 residents
🔥 Most Common Crimes: Assault, public disorder, and drug-related crimes
Manchester, one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK, has seen an increase in gun and knife crime, particularly in Moss Side, Hulme, and parts of the city centre. Organised crime groups have been linked to a rise in drug offenses and violent incidents, making safety a key concern for residents.
🚨 Crime Rate: 118.3 per 1,000 residents
🔥 Most Common Crimes: Drug offenses, burglary, and assault
Liverpool’s nightlife and student population make it a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and drug-related crimes. Areas like Anfield, Everton, and parts of the city centre report higher crime levels, particularly during weekends and large events.
🚨 Crime Rate: 110.6 per 1,000 residents
🔥 Most Common Crimes: Theft, burglary, and violent crime
Leeds has one of the highest burglary rates in the UK, particularly in student-heavy areas like Hyde Park and Headingley. Vehicle crime and violent assaults have also been increasing, keeping police resources stretched thin.
🚨 Crime Rate: 104.9 per 1,000 residents
🔥 Most Common Crimes: Theft, fraud, and violent incidents
Nottingham has a long history of street crime, with areas like St Ann’s, Radford, and The Meadows seeing consistently high crime levels. The city centre experiences high levels of pickpocketing, especially around nightlife zones.
🚨 Crime Rate: 98.7 per 1,000 residents
🔥 Most Common Crimes: Knife crime, burglary, and anti-social behaviour
Despite its reputation as a friendly city, Sheffield has seen an increase in knife crime and gang-related violence. Certain areas, including Burngreave and Page Hall, report higher crime rates than the national average.
🚨 Crime Rate: 96.2 per 1,000 residents
🔥 Most Common Crimes: Bike theft, burglary, and assault
Bristol’s crime is heavily concentrated in city centre areas, with student accommodation and nightlife zones experiencing higher levels of theft and burglary.
🚨 Crime Rate: 94.4 per 1,000 residents
🔥 Most Common Crimes: Public disorder, robbery, and violent crime
Violence in Leicester has increased over the past five years, with some areas reporting higher than average crime rates compared to similar cities.
🚨 Crime Rate: 93.8 per 1,000 residents
🔥 Most Common Crimes: Assault, robbery, and drug-related offenses
Glasgow has historically been one of the most violent cities in the UK, with some areas still reporting above-average crime rates. However, improvements in policing and community outreach have helped to reduce certain offenses in recent years.
| City | Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | Most Common Crimes |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 130.8 | Knife crime, drug offenses, violence |
| London | 108.4 | Theft, fraud, violent crime |
| Manchester | 122.5 | Assault, public disorder, drugs |
| Liverpool | 118.3 | Drug offenses, burglary, assault |
| Leeds | 110.6 | Theft, burglary, violent crime |
| Nottingham | 104.9 | Theft, fraud, violent incidents |
| Sheffield | 98.7 | Knife crime, burglary, anti-social behaviour |
| Bristol | 96.2 | Bike theft, burglary, assault |
| Leicester | 94.4 | Public disorder, robbery, violent crime |
| Glasgow | 93.8 | Assault, robbery, drug-related offenses |
| Source: UK Police Crime Reports, Local Government Crime Data | ||
Stay aware of your surroundings – Avoid distractions like using your phone in unfamiliar areas.
Use well-lit streets at night – Stick to main roads and avoid dark alleyways.
Keep valuables secure – Theft is often opportunistic, so be mindful of pickpockets.
Use security measures for businesses and homes – CCTV, security patrols, and alarm systems can reduce crime risks.
Crime trends are constantly changing, and while these cities report higher crime rates, it’s important to remember that crime is often concentrated in specific areas rather than city-wide. Whether you live in, work in, or visit these cities, staying informed and aware is the best way to stay safe and prepared.
Crime rates are always changing, and awareness is the first step in protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your business. Whether you live in or travel to one of the most dangerous cities in the UK, taking the right precautions can make all the difference.
We provide expert security solutions to help businesses and individuals stay safe in high-risk areas. From manned guarding and CCTV monitoring to advanced security strategies, we ensure you’re protected where it matters most.
💡 Want to learn more about how to secure your home, business, or site? Get in touch with our team today, because safety isn’t just a priority, it’s a necessity.
📞 Call us now on 0800 035 6607 or visit our website to find out how we can help. Don’t wait until it’s too late, secure your future today. 🚨